Ségou to Lagos

There are many names that come to mind when one thinks of the great Malian musicians, but despite serving as long time percussionist and occasional arranger to the Malian superstar, Salif Keita, Solomane Doumbia is not a name that often crops up on the international scene. Incidentally, neither is that of the late Tidiani Koné, saxophonist and founder of the Rail Band. But with any luck, this album will succeed in putting both those names on the map.

Ségou to Lagos leads us on a musical journey from Mali to Nigeria and back again in homage to Tidiani Koné, which highlights his importance as one of the first artists to bridge the gap between the musics of Mali and Nigeria, laying the ground for the Afrobeat tidal wave that would follow. Solomane's compositions are brilliantly arranged, with ‘Diarabi’ a particular highlight, masterfully mixing griot vocals with harmonised Afrobeat horn riffs, bringing in flute, saxophone and jazz harmonies to dazzling effect. Ségou to Lagos is a powerful reminder of the deep musical connections between Mali and Nigeria, between Francophone and Anglophone West Africa, and is a testament to the creative brilliance of both of these African musical greats.